Following on from our donation partnership with Share Wokingham, we had the pleasure of visiting their temporary “Christmas Presence” outlet at the new Elms Fields development. Share is an entirely volunteer led initiative that contributes to a reduction in food poverty and family hardship in Wokingham Borough through sharing, re-using, and recycling.
The network of support that Share has created through identifying excess and waste within some businesses – and making use of it for the benefit of the wider community – is incredible. Supplies from businesses, retailers, other charities, and supermarkets are being channeled to exactly where families and communities can benefit most. Additionally Share have joined up with other support services within the borough to create a wholly holistic approach to meeting the needs of the more vulnerable amongst us.
They host free café drop-in sessions at Norreys Church for anyone wanting a chat, some company, or even some advice. They also connect individuals with specific support services, and they now have food and grocery for anyone in need at Norreys, Finchampstead, Woodley, and Winnersh. There will soon be more outreach sites coming to Shinfield, Earley and as far up as Cemetery Junction.
The “Christmas Presence” site has food, groceries, amazing gifts, toys, and clothing (all new) to give away and an arts and crafts area for children with somewhere for parents and families to socialise. Everything is donated and crafted, even the décor!
Contact them through their Facebook page for more information or pop along to their café and shopping sites – details and opening times all on Facebook. No referrals or formal assessments are required – there is plenty of everything for everyone!
